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Season of change

Big responsibility Shivlal Yadav (L) has set new goals for the season

New term and fresh ideas. This seems to be the concept in the Hyderabad Cricket Association after N. Shivlal Yadav was re-elected as secretary for the third term. There is a reason for this to happen since the office-bearers for the next two years also happen to be dedicated persons, like S. Venkateswaran of Indian Airlines and D. Narsing Rao of BDL, who saw to it that state-level players were given either jobs or handsome stipends.

“We are aware of the huge responsibility on us. Our first priority will be to give as many competitive games to the cricketers as possible to build up a very strong second string,” he says. The problem is not with Ranji stars who manage to get adequate number of matches through the year. Unfortunately, the bundle of talent is languishing in the league level for want of exposure and adequate recognition.

“Unless we give them a platform to perform, we are not sure who is good or bad,” he explains. And, there is no better example than M. V. Sridhar himself, who grew up from the B-Division grade to the big stage by the sheer weight of his performances in the league cricket.

There is also the idea of a separate tournament for six teams from a pool of about 80 players selected by virtue of their performances in the league games just before the start of the Ranji season to give them a chance to showcase their talent. “This two-day or three-day event, I feel, is mandatory as what is happening now is that most of those who were playing in the previous Ranji season are automatically getting selected despite a poor record in the preceding season,” says Arshad.

Significantly, Shivlal says it will be mandatory for the State selectors to watch all league matches.

“We are keen to ensure some accountability on the selection front and from the players’ perspective, too, it will be good,” he insists. This could be a problem for certain selectors employed with various institutions. They may not be able to spare time for these Leagues. “That cannot be an excuse anymore. They have to watch every game and not just suggest names for selection,” is Shivlal’s argument.

With a dependable administrative structure in place, it should not be a major hitch for Shivlal to find sponsors for any cricketing activity taken up in the interest of promoting the sport. “Money should not be a problem. In fact, I feel that the onus is on the cricketers to perform and climb the ladder. For, HCA will never be found wanting in terms of providing high-standard playing facilities,” insists Shivlal.

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